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It’s always nice to be recognized for a job well done, and while we didn’t really expect to be signaled out, we are honored to be the November 2007 “Broker / Agent of the Month”.  This is really quite an accomplishment for our team as only 12 agents per year are chosen – out of the thousands that make up the Pinellas Suncoast Board of Realtors here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

In case you don't currently know us, our team is made up of myself (Bob Lipply), Joe Gibbons, Thomas Towns, and our newest member Arlene Colecchia.  While my wife Donna doesn’t want me to say she’s part of the team, she helps out considerably with website development, marketing, and just keeping everyone organized.

Attached is a copy of the piece that Broker/Agent…

We've been very busy this week showing property, handling closings, and practicing our new Christmas routine.  We think we got it where we want it and we wanted our blog readers to be the very first to see it.  I knew I had a talented team but I never imagined we would be able to put this together in such a short time.  Hope you enjoy it.

So, please click here and enjoy the show.

Merry Christmas!

Bob Lipply, Arlene Colecchia, Joe Gibbons, and Thomas Towns

Well we said we would not do it again but something's definitely missing in our house.  Thurman, our cocker spaniel, died right around the time the kids grew up and moved out and it doesn't look like we are going to be getting any grandkids anytime soon.  We've always had a dog in the house and once a dog lover, always a dog lover, I guess. 

So, here he is the new Lipply member.  His name is Buddy.  He's a Cavalier King Charles Tri-Color.  He won't be home until after Christmas because he's only 5 weeks old so we have plenty of time to get ready for him. 

In case you don't know about Cavaliers they are the perfect lap dog.  They only grow to be about 18 lbs. and love to be around you.  They don't like to be alone for too long and breeders won't sell…

Largo, just south of Clearwater, in the Tampa Bay area of Floirda has strong community pride.  A page on their city website states:  "Help Shape Your Largo".  It's a page where you can go and take a survey answering specific questions about Largo and how you would like to see it shaped in the coming years. 

The City of Largo is working toward developing a community brand.  They are trying to get a stronger identity with the Tampa Bay Community.  When you take the survey you will be asked a series of questions of how you view the city, who you are, what you think attracts the visitors and businesses, and what makes it unique.  You will also have an opportunity to make suggestions and to volunteer to join a focus group to help continue this effort.

In my…

Fabulous Belleair! What can be more exciting than living on the water in Florida? Waterfront condos are the way to go if you want maintenance free living and more time to spend enjoying the white sandy beaches. Some of the best Belleair Real Estate buys this winter are:

Aldea Condo - providing direct Gulf of Mexico frontage in prestigious Belleair Beach. Many of the 2/2 condos have gorgeous views from multiple decks. Enjoy the master suite with its own balcony overlooking a wide beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Short term income rental potential. This location has easy access to Belleair Causeway, mainland shopping and restaurants.

Coquina Shores Condo - this is a small seven unit complex hidden in Belleair Beach and is a wonderful Old Florida Lifestyle…

Recently, Zagat surveyed more than 7,000 frequent fliers who ranked large U.S. airports on quality and service.  Zagat has been in the business of surveying for over 26 years in more than 70 markets. 

In their recent survey project for airports in the United States, Tampa International Airport came in the number 1 spot.  The survey covered 7,498 frequent fliers who rated 84 airlines and 46 major airports. Each airline was separately rated on its premium and economy service for both domestic and international flights.  The typical survey participant took 19.7 flights in the past year aggregating 147,000 trips.  Tampa International received top marks for overall quality (a 21 rating out of a possible 30).

This is another plus for our area.  Having a…

The Florida Association of Realtors published some interesting stats today.  They say that according to economist Hank Fishkind, Florida's population growth will grow next year (2007) by 325,000 people.  (The U.S Census Bureau latest estimate for total population in Florida stands at roughly 18 million people.)  Recorded statistics from the years 2000 to 2006 average an additional 350,000 people per year are added to the Florida population.  New births are included in those figures but only account for about 47,000.  That means that approximately 300,000 come from other states and countries.  More importantly though the Census Bureau data reveals that Florida will rank third in terms of population in 2010.  That's only a few years away!

The article went…

Many Floridians travel out of Florida and to the north over the holidays to see family or snow.  Thanksgiving and Christmas is always what you make it, but many people have a hard time associating Santa Claus with 80 degree weather.

If your holiday plans take you away from Florida, be sure to take some simple precautions for your home so that it is not obvious you are away.

1.  Grass grows year round in Florida, make sure your lawn is getting mowed while you are gone.

2.  Stop your mail delivery, you can do it easily on-line.  Opt for one or two days before you actually leave so that you can follow up if the action is not taken.

3.  Also, stop your newspaper delivery.  This can also be done on-line.  Search "stop newspaper delivery [name of…